USER GUIDE

Copyright 2015 iZotope, Inc. All rights reserved.

 Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
What is RX Final Mix? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Equalizer Module (Static And Dynamic). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Limiter Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Surround Sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operating System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Plug-In Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Host Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Understanding The Microview vs. The Expanded View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Understanding The Options Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using the Preset Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Understanding the Equalizer (EQ) Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Static vs. Dynamic EQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Understanding The Dynamic EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
General User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Limiter Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
True Peak Ceiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Optimize for. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Low Frequency Effect (LFE) Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Tips and Tricks for Using RX Final Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
iZotope Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
How To Purchase The Full Version Of Rx Final Mix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
iZotope Customer Care Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
How To Contact Izotope Customer Care For Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
International Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

RX FINAL MIX | CONTENTS Pageii

 Introduction

Here at iZotope, we specialize in building audio products for music production, post
production and broadcast.

RX Final Mix is aimed at those working in post production and broadcast, mixing program
material for radio, TV, film, and the web.

Driven by feedback from you, our users, we created RX Final Mix to support surround
sound mixing with a combined Dynamic Equalizer (EQ) and a BS.1770-2/3 True Peak
compliant Limiter. The plug-in is optimized for post production and designed to bring
transparent dynamic control to audio stems and master buses with a host of presets and
advanced functionalities.

We hope you enjoy using RX Final Mix on your next project!

- The iZotope Team

RX FINAL MIX | INTRODUCTION Page1

 Authorization

When you first download and install RX Final Mix, it will be in Trial mode. After 10 days of
unlimited, full functionality support, the plug-in will go into Demo mode.

Authorization is required to disable both Trial and Demo modes.

Trial Mode
For the first 10 days after RX Final Mix is opened or instantiated, RX Final Mix will run in
Trial mode. Trial mode offers full functionality of the RX Final Mix plug-in.

Demo Mode
After 10 days, RX Final Mix will go into Demo mode. In the plug-in, Demo mode will mute
audio output periodically.

Serial Number
Each purchased copy of RX Final Mix contains a unique serial number to authorize your
plug-in.

If RX Final Mix has been downloaded directly from iZotope or another reseller, the serial
number will be emailed to you, along with the link to download the product. The serial
number should resemble:

SN-RXFINALMIX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page2

Instructions on how to use this serial number to authorize are outlined below:

AUTHORIZING YOUR COPY OF RX FINAL MIX ONLINE

Launching the Authorization Wizard
The first time you open the RX Final Mix plug-in, the Authorization Wizard will appear.

You can choose to either click Authorize to authorize RX Final Mix, or instead click
Continue to use it in Trial mode for evaluation purposes. Please use your supplied RX
Final Mix serial number to fully authorize your product.

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page3

After opening RX Final Mix and launching the Authorization Wizard, perform the following
steps to complete the authorization process online:

1. Click on Authorize.

2. Enter the serial number, using all capital letters, as it is shown in the purchase
confirmation email. SN-RXFINALMIX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
3. You must also enter your name and a valid email address.
4. Note: Clicking the Advanced button reveals a set of options that allow you to
store your RX Final Mix authorization on a portable hard drive or flash drive.
More detail can be found at www.izotope.com/en/support/authorization/
5. Please make note of the email address you use to authorize your license, as
your license and iZotope account will be linked directly to this email address.

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page4

 6. When you have confirmed that your serial number and email information is
accurate, click once more on Authorize.

7. Click on Submit to send your authorization information to iZotope.

8. Once the authorization is accepted, click on the Finish button to complete the
authorization.

AUTHORIZING YOUR COPY OF RX FINAL MIX OFFLINE

Some customers choose to keep their audio workstations offline; for these instances, a
simple offline authorization option has been included.

After opening RX Final Mix and launching the Authorization Wizard, the following steps
will complete the authorization process offline:

1. When first prompted to authorize RX Final Mix, click on Authorize.

2. Click on the option for Offline Authorization at the bottom of the
authorization window.
3. You will be given a unique Challenge Code that is specific to your computer
only.
4. Write down or make a copy of the exact Challenge Code. It will look like this:
IZ-RXFINALMIX-XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX
5. Next, using a system with Internet access, login to your customer account at
the iZotope website: www.izotope.com/en/account/log-in/

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page5

 6. Click on Activate Software with a Serial Number, enter your full serial
number, then click Submit.
7. Select the Challenge/Response option and click on Submit.
8. Enter your full Challenge Code copied in step 3.
9. After submitting your Challenge Code, you will receive a unique authorization
file named iZotope_RX_Final_Mix_xxxxx.izotopelicense. Copy this file to
your offline computer.
10. Once the authorization file is copied to your offline computer using a network,
hard drive, or USB thumb drive, click the Choose File... button in your
authorization wizard.
11. Navigate and select the authorization file and click Next to authorize your
machine.
12. You should now receive a message that your authorization has been
successful, you may click Finish to begin using RX Final Mix.

ILOK SUPPORT
RX Final Mix supports the iLok copy protection system.

The plug-in will be able to detect iLok keys and assets if you already use iLok and PACE
software on your system.

If you dont already have PACE or iLok, we will not install any PACE or iLok software to
your system, and iLok authorizations will be unavailable.

Authorizing RX Final Mix with iLok

1. When first prompted to authorize RX Final Mix, click on Authorize.
2. Next, enter the serial number in all capital letters as it is shown on the
included card or purchase confirmation email.
3. This would look something like: SN-RXFINALMIX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
4. You must also enter your name and a valid email address. Make note of the
email address you use to authorize your license. Your license and iZotope
account will be linked directly to this email address.
5. Select Use iLok Authorization and enter your iLok ID.
6. When you have confirmed that all your information is accurate, click once
more on Authorize.

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page6

 7. Lastly, click on Submit in order to send your authorization message to the
iZotope servers.
8. You will now be instructed to log in to your iLok account and transfer your RX
Final Mix license to your iLok.
9. When you have completed this step and have your iLok connected to the
computer on which you want to use RX Final Mix, click Next.
10. You should now receive a message that your authorization has been
successful and may click Finish to begin using RX Final Mix.

REMOVING YOUR CURRENT AUTHORIZATION

Use the Remove Authorization button in the RX Final Mixs General tab within the Options
panel to remove your current RX Final Mix authorization.

After removing your authorization, RX Final Mixs authorization screen will pop up when
you restart the program. Now you can re-authorize the plug-in using a new serial number.
You may also remove your authorization at any time in order to run in Trial or Demo
mode.

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page7

HOW TO CONTACT IZOTOPE CUSTOMER CARE
For additional help with authorizing RX Final Mix:

Check out the Customer Care pages on our web site at www.izotope.com/support

Contact our Customer Care department at support@izotope.com

More information on iZotopes Customer Care department and policies can be found in
the iZotope Customer Care section.

RX FINAL MIX | AUTHORIZATION Page8

 What is RX Final Mix?

Specifically created for audio post production professionals, RX Final Mix is the ultimate
processor for stem and master buses. Whether youre dealing with dialogue, production
sound (ambience), sound effects, music, or your overall final master bus, youll get a
consistent, clear, and intelligible mix thats incredibly smooth, and True Peak compliant,
with ultra low latency.

EQUALIZER MODULE (STATIC AND DYNAMIC)

The EQ shapes the sound of individual buses and/or your final mix, adding high-end
(i.e. dialogue) and low-end (i.e. sound FX) cuts or boosts only when needed. Up to
eight nodes of EQ toggle between static or dynamic. Balance quickly and intuitively
with problem-solving filter shapes, and create overall color changes with post-specific
enhancement filters. You can also use ultra-narrow Q settings for precision sonic
sculpting. One of the first EQs where you can switch the behaviors between static and
dynamic, this is a versatile and cutting-edge technologythe sound of the future.

LIMITER MODULE
Maximize your audio by transparently reducing dynamic range, allowing for a more
impactful sound, while reducing peaks with an always-on True Peak ceiling to meet
specification. iZotopes mastering-grade Limiter sets a new standard in transparency and
accuracy, conforming any audio to your delivery specifications.

RX FINAL MIX | WHAT IS RX FINAL MIX? Page9

METERING
The Limiter module includes True Peak and RMS metering from our award winning
Insight metering suite, so you can easily keep an eye on your output levels at all times.
The True Peak metering is accurate to all the latest loudness standards.

SURROUND SOUND
RX Final Mix offers explicit support for mono, stereo, 5.0, 5.1, 7.0 and 7.1 audio formats.

As each audio or video host works with different internal channel processing orders
(which are separate from the channel configurations of your host and your hardwares
I/O), RX Final Mix detects the host and where relevant, supports the right configuration,
such as Film, DTS, ITU/SMPTE and SDDS channel configurations.

OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

RX Final Mix runs as a plug-in for your video or audio editing software.

Windows: 7 or later

Mac: OS X 10.7 or later (Intel only)

PLUG-IN FORMATS
AudioSuite DPM and AAX, RTAS 32 bit, AAX 64 bit, AU, VST 2 and VST 3 32/64 bit.

HOST COMPATIBILITY
RX Final Mix is currently compatible as a plug-in for many audio and video editors,
including:

Pro Tools 10-12 Final Cut X

Nuendo 6.5 Logic X
Premiere Pro CC 2014 Cubase 7.5 & 8
Audition CC 2014 RX 4
Media Composer 7.0.4 & 8.4

RX FINAL MIX | WHAT IS RX FINAL MIX? Page10

 General Functions

UNDERSTANDING THE MICROVIEW VS. THE EXPANDED VIEW

Microview
The microview is a condensed metering
view, in which you have quick access to
small meters for important information
without visual clutter.

The microview is only accessible in certain

hosts and plug-in formats that support
resizing. In all other hosts, RX Final Mix will
default to the expanded size for access to
the controls. Switching between microview
and expanded view is accomplished by
clicking on the collapsible arrow at the
right edge of the window.

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page11

Expanded View

The expanded view provides access to the controls in both the EQ and Limiter modules.

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page12

UNDERSTANDING THE OPTIONS MENU
General

Build Number
In the top right, RX Final Mix
will display the version number
and other relevant diagnostic
information, which may be
useful if you need to contact
Customer Care for technical
support.

Enable Analytics
Click this box to allow RX Final
Mix to occasionally upload data
on your usage patterns of the
plug-in to iZotopes servers. This
info is completely anonymous,
and allows us to better
understand how users use RX
Final Mix in order to provide the
best updates possible in the
future.

Enable True Bypass

Click this box to allow RX Final Mix to disengage a modules latency when that module
is bypassed. This results in a click as the audio transitions, but avoids redundant latency
compensation.

Delay Compensation
Enabling this feature will result in RX Final Mix engaging the appropriate level of delay
compensation needed in that specific host or session. Most commonly this should be left
on by default, to always maintain sync, and this feature exists mainly for diagnostic and
test purposes.

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page13

Updates
RX Final Mix allows you to check for updates from iZotope with recurring frequency.
Check Now is an instant check, but you can also define periodic, automatic checks.

These options are:

Never
Daily
Weekly
Monthly

Authorization
This section allows you to authorize and deauthorize RX Final Mix.

Clicking on Authorize will load the authorization window discussed in detail in the earlier
chapter.

Clicking on Remove Authorization will remove the authorization from your machine to
facilitate transfer to another computer. This is specific to local authorizations and will not
affect iLok.

Clicking on More information... will take you to the authorization help section of www.
izotope.com/en/support/authorization/

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page14

Equalizer

Show Spectrum
Shows a down-mixed spectrum of the
output audio signal underneath the EQ,
to provide a visual indication of general
frequency levels and allow for targeted
equalization changes.

Fill Spectrum
Allows you to display the real-time
spectrum as a solid graph as opposed to
a line graph. This option can be used to
differentiate the real-time spectrum from
the peak hold spectrum.

Alt-Solo Filter Q
If you hold down the Alt key and click on the spectrum, you have a temporary audio
magnifying glass that lets you hear only the frequencies that are under the mouse
cursor, without affecting your actual EQ settings.

This is useful for pinpointing the location of a particular frequency in the mix without
changing your actual EQ bands. Releasing the mouse button returns the sound to the
actual EQ.

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page15

Limiter

Show Peak Hold

Check this setting to allow the output meters to
visually display a peak hold, whenever peaks
occur in the loaded audio file.

Integration Time
This setting lets you specify the integration time
for the RMS calculation. In most RMS meters,
the integration time is set to around 300ms. The
available options are:

10 ms
50 ms
300 ms (vu)
1,475 ms
2,650 ms
3,825 ms
5,000 ms

Peak Hold Time

Selects how long a peak will display in the level meter before falling back to normal level.
Choices include:

5 ms
250 ms
500 ms
1000 ms
5000 ms
Infinite

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page16

Readout
Selects whether the peak hold section of the meters displays the current peak status
(current) or instead displays the highest peak that has occurred in the audio file (max
peak).

Average Time
Averages the spectrum according to this setting. Higher average times can be useful for
viewing the overall tonal balance of a mix, while shorter average times provide a more
real-time display.

RX FINAL MIX | GENERAL FUNCTIONS Page17

 Using the Preset Browser

RX Final Mix ships with a number of presets, covering both common and creative use
cases for print master, dialogue, production sound, sound effects, and music stems/
buses.

1. Clicking the Preset Browser button or

clicking the text displaying Presets
brings up the Preset Browser
Window.
2. Clicking on any preset in the list will
immediately apply the associated
parameters to all of the controllers in
the RX Final Mix plug-in.
3. Double clicking on any preset in
the list will immediately apply the
associated parameters and also close
the Preset Browser.

RX FINAL MIX | USING THE PRESET BROWSER Page18

Working Settings
If you decide not to use a preset and would like to apply the last settings used that were
not associated with a preset, you can select <Working Settings> to return parameters to
the previous state.

Default
Select <Default> to return all parameters to the state they are in on instantiation of the RX
Final Mix plug-in.

Preset Information
Below the list of presets, some text details the parameter settings associated with the
selected preset.

If you select a preset and change any parameters in the plug-in, the preset name in the
Preset Browsers list will have an asterisk before it. This simply indicates that your current
settings differ from those associated with the preset as it was last saved. Simply click
the preset name in the Preset Browser list once to return your plug-in parameters to the
associated presets saved state.

Adding And Removing Presets

The Preset Browser includes methods for creating new presets, creating new folders,
and deleting presets.

To create a new preset:

1. Set the parameters in RX Final Mix to the values you wish to save and open
the Preset Browser (as described above). You can click <Working Settings> in
the Preset Browser to confirm that the settings of the plug-in are set to match
your expectations of what should be saved in the preset.
2. Click the New Preset button in the Preset Browser. You will be prompted with
an edit box to enter a name for this new preset. This will create a new preset
with the parameters saved from the <Working Settings>, and will save to
the same location as all RX Final Mix presets (see Preset storage location
below).
3. Note that if you in a subfolder or have a subfolder selected in the Preset
Browser, your new preset will be created within that subfolder rather than
at the top level of the preset directory. This preset can then be used in

RX FINAL MIX | USING THE PRESET BROWSER Page19

 your workflow as you would any other preset. If you so choose, you can give
your preset a custom comment by clicking the text that says [Click here to
comment].
4. For better organization, the Preset Browser also allows you to create a new
folder in which to place any preset. To do this, click the New Folder button in
the Preset Browser. You will be prompted to give the folder a name. To move
any preset or even any folder into another folder in the Preset Browser, click
and drag the preset or folder you want to move, place it in the expanded
folder, and release the mouse.
To rename any item in the Preset Browser, click twice on the preset name or folder to
bring up an edit box.

To delete any item in the Preset Browser, select the item and click the Delete button. A
dialogue box will appear to confirm your choice.

Preset Storage Location

The presets used in RX Final Mix are stored on disk:

Windows: C:\Users\<your_user_name>\Documents\iZotope\RX Final Mix\Global Presets

Mac: /Users/<your_user_name>/Documents/iZotope/RX Final Mix/Global Presets

This folder contains the presets included with the installation and any custom presets you
have added via the Preset Browser. Keep in mind that factory defaults can be restored by
deleting the Presets folder and reinstalling the RX Final Mix plug-in.

Distributing Presets
As these presets are saved as .xml files on your hard drive, you may create and save
presets, then distribute them across an entire organization or facility that may benefit from
using the same settings.

RX FINAL MIX | USING THE PRESET BROWSER Page20

 Understanding the
Equalizer (EQ) Module

OVERVIEW
Filter Types
The EQ module contains the following filter types, for a variety of sonic options:

Highpass Low-shelf Bell High-shelf Lowpass

Resonant Flat Proportional Q Flat Resonant
Band shelf

High/Low Pass (resonant)

These filters reduce all frequencies above or below a certain cutoff frequency. The
highpass filter is very useful for cutting low-frequency noise or rumble, while the lowpass
can be used to tame unwanted signals on the high end. Both filters are equipped with a
resonance control, which can modify the curve to either emphasize the cutoff frequency
with positive resonance or smooth the curve around the cutoff frequency, with negative
resonance

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page21

High/Low Shelf (flat)

These filters provide an overall boost or cut to either high or low frequencies. These can
be used to adjust the overall sound and frequency balance of the mix. A high shelf filter
with a negative gain will reduce brightness, while a low shelf filter with a positive gain will
provide a bass boost. Both filters have a Q control that affects the slope of curve.

Proportional Q

This filters shape varies in proportion to the amount of cut or boost. As the cut or boost
is increased further away from center, the shape tightens for more precision, which is
particularly useful for suppressing resonances, hums or other narrow frequency bands
that need to be removed.

The user is still able to adjust the Q.

Band Shelf

Though this is a bell filter, this filters shape has a flat top, allowing the user to perform
wider, flatter EQ adjustments in a particular frequency area. This is useful for attenuating
a block of boxy frequencies, or boosting dialogue presence in the 3-7kHz range.

Note: To avoid unwanted clicks and pops while changing EQ filter types the audio is
briefly silenced.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page22

STATIC VS. DYNAMIC EQ
Each individual node in the EQ module can be toggled between static and dynamic
behavior.

When in static mode, an EQ adjustment will be consistently applied to the audio. The
Equalizer Curves node shape is circular when that band is in static Equalizer Mode, and
the Dynamic Equalizer related buttons and meters become disabled.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page23

UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMIC EQ

The Dynamic EQ in RX Final Mix works like the combination of a static EQ and a
compressor. Each band allows you to set a compression threshold. When the volume of
the signal in the frequency range of the band passes over that threshold, it is reduced or
boosted according to the band settings.

Dynamic EQ adjustments will be program dependent, in which the shape and depth of
the EQ curve will change and adapt in response to the audio it's adjusting. This allows
an EQ adjustment to behave differently depending on the input sound, such as a large
explosion, a sudden gunshot, a dialogue ess reduction and any other scenario. A user
definable threshold sets the point at which the dynamic ballistics begin to kick in. Taking
an audio input from only the area surrounding the EQ node, the further it falls above or
below the threshold, the greater the adjustment will be.

The attack and release times for the trajectory of this dynamic behavior intelligently scale
in accordance to the type of audio passing through, and will react differently on a sibilant
dialogue area, to say, a low frequency LFE burst for example.

This intelligent behavior results in reactive, program dependent, and most importantly,
more transparent mix results, which allows you to perform much more transparent EQ
adjustments that affect your audio only when youd actually like them to.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page24

Dynamic EQ Modes
The Dynamic EQ has two modes, compress and expand.

Compress

In this mode, when a specified frequency range exceeds the threshold, boosts are
reduced and cuts are increased, thus compressing the dynamic range of the affected
frequencies. For instance, if you had an occasional harsh, peaking frequency area, a
dynamic EQ cut would only reduce that frequency area when the harsh peaking was
actually present, and with the right degree of variable strength, preserving the overall
sonic color of your mix.

Expand

In this mode, filters respond more like an expander. A boost youve programmed in will
only start to boost once the specified frequency range exceeds the threshold, and a cut
will decrease in strength. This can expand the dynamic range of the affected frequencies.
For example, if you wanted to bring out a particular sound effect in a mix, you could
adjust a filter to boost at the appropriate frequency and set the dynamic settings to
respond to the level of the sound effect . This boosting filter will only activate when the
sound effect is present, thus expanding the dynamic range and enhancing the impact of
these frequencies.

When in the Dynamic EQs Compress or Expand mode, the nodes in the Equalizer Curve
will change to indicate whether a band is compressing (downward shape) or boosting
(upward shape) your audio when it exceeds the specified threshold.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page25

LFE Processing

If youre running RX Final Mix in a channel config that includes an LFE channel (such as
5.1 or 7.1), there will be an LFE power button in the EQ panel, above the EQ Curve. By
default this is on and the LFE channel will run through the equalizer and be processed
according to the equalizer settings as normal. You can click the power button to turn off
LFE processing and pass through the LFE channel as-is without any equalization.

GENERAL USER INTERFACE

The Equalizer panel is divided into several sections that allow access to the Equalizer
bands and their associated parameters. Selecting a node on Equalizer Curve adjusts
the bottom view to display that nodes parameters. You can always tell which nodes
parameters youre viewing by either checking the color of the parameter readouts or
checking to see which bands button and label is highlighted with a grey tab. You can
also switch between different bands by clicking the label next to each bands power
button.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page26

Alt-Solo Filter Q
If you hold down the Alt key and click on the spectrum, you have a temporary audio
magnifying glass that lets you hear only the frequencies that are under the mouse
cursor, without affecting your actual EQ settings.

This is useful for pinpointing the location of a particular frequency in the mix without
changing your actual EQ bands. Releasing the mouse button returns the sound to the
actual EQ. The Q of this filter can be adjusted in the Options window.

RX FINAL MIX | UNDERSTANDING THE EQUALIZER (EQ) MODULE Page27

 Limiter Module

RX FINAL MIX | LIMITER MODULE Page28

OVERVIEW
The surround sound, BS.1770-2/3 compliant True Peak Limiter in RX Final Mix provides
intelligent digital loudness maximization of the signal, while ensuring there are no True
Peak overflows, across all of your surround channels.

The intelligent digital loudness processor is designed for neutral or transparent limiting. It
does so by analyzing the incoming source material and leveraging a psycho-acoustically
pleasing algorithm, reacting quickly to transients and reacting more slowly to steady,
lower frequency tones. In doing so, it is optimized to preserve transients which makes
them sharper and present more clearly in the output signal, even when aggressive
limiting is taking place.

In addition to the True Peak Limiter and intelligent digital loudness processor, the
Limiter module contains peak and RMS metering for all channels of your audio. This
Limiter can limit peaks as well as provide digital loudness maximization of the signal,
while preserving transients. On the meter, RMS is shown in white and current peak
level is shown in gray. Peak hold is shown above the meter as a white bar and can be
configured in the Options window. When the Limiter is actively limiting audio, you will see
the amount of gain reduction shown in beige from the top of the meter. The Limiter is
linked across all channels, meaning that gain reduction is applied equally to preserve the
positioning of surround image and avoid steering. The LFE can be exempted from this
gain reduction using the LFE power button.

The averaging, integration and peak hold times for the meter section can all be adjusted
in the Options panel.

TRUE PEAK CEILING

You can set the True Peak ceiling of the Limiter
via the True Peak slider to the right. This
determines the maximum output level of your
audio - all peaks above this point will be limited.

RX FINAL MIX | LIMITER MODULE Page29

LIFT

The Lift control allows you to increase the loudness of your audio without affecting the
True Peak level. It provides up to 20 dB of input gain into the Limiter.

CHARACTER

There are three user definable character options, Clear, Smooth and Thick, to allow for
more direct control over the adaptive, transparent nature of the limiting algorithm. Both
the limiting algorithm and the character options are tuned specifically for post production
type audio.

Clear
The Limiter will respond more quickly in order to better present fast moving transient
material in the mix.

Smooth
Smooth is the most common, best sounding middle ground between Clear and Thick,
and is the most appropriate algorithm for the majority of program material, including most
dialogue.

RX FINAL MIX | LIMITER MODULE Page30

Thick
The Limiter will respond to audio more slowly, useful for louder, slower moving sounds
like a big explosion, where you wouldnt want an aggressive limiter to break the sound
up.

OPTIMIZE FOR

There are two limiting algorithms in RX Final Mix, each with a different sonic quality and
latency requirement. Low latency is important to avoid lag or loss of sync when mixing
to picture, dealing with limited latency compensation, or a control surface that needs to
remain responsive.

You may choose to optimize for:

Transparency
This algorithm uses higher latency (3772 samples at 48 kHz) to ensure maximum
transparency when hitting the limiter hard, particularly with low frequencies that youd
like to remain loud, without crunch or distortion.

Low Latency
This algorithm significantly lowers latency (as low as 120 samples at 48 kHz) to ensure
efficient performance, yet still maintains a high level of sound quality. You may not notice
a difference in sound quality unless youre driving the limiter quite hard. The difference is
most noticeable on low frequencies, and you may choose to use this algorithm to add a
certain unique sonic character to certain low frequencies.

LOW FREQUENCY EFFECT (LFE) PROCESSING

If youre running RX Final Mix in a channel configuration that
includes an LFE channel (such as 5.1 or 7.1), there will be a power
button below the LFE meter. By default this is on and the LFE
channel will run through the Limiter and be processed according
to the Limiter settings as normal.

You can click the power button to turn off LFE processing and pass
the LFE channel through as-is, without any limiting.

RX FINAL MIX | LIMITER MODULE Page31

 Tips and Tricks for Using RX Final Mix

When mixing different assets dialogue, production sound / ambience, sound effects,
and music into one cohesive, emotive mix, it can be a challenge to ensure every
unique sound has its place.

This is currently solved by mixing into stems. Aside from stems being often required
deliverables, they also allow for a combination of volume and surround panning
automation, as well as other spacialization and equalization effects.

Some useful and practical techniques for this include:

Positioning dialogue in the center channel

Positioning music in the left and right channels

Panning special effects around all the channels

Automating levels of non-dialogue stems to keep them out of the way

But thats only the beginning. RX Final Mix introduces some creative mixing techniques
for a new level of audio control and enhancement.

RX FINAL MIX | TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING RX FINAL MIX Page32
TIPS FOR INTELLIGIBLE DIALOGUE
Its common practice to position a dialogue stem at approximately -23 or -24 LKFS, and
then mix in the other assets around it. This usually results in a well-balanced mix.

However, RX Final Mix allows you to further enhance the clarity of a dialogue stem with
intelligent, dynamic EQ and limiting.

Tip 1: Instantiate RX Final Mix on your sound effects and music stems. Use a dynamic EQ
node in Compress mode to carve out the frequencies between 3-7kHz.

Adjusting the threshold ensures that the EQ will only begin to cut those frequency areas
when they become particularly energetic which is where theyd begin to interfere with
the frequencies on the dialogue track.

RX FINAL MIX | TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING RX FINAL MIX Page33
Tip 2: Instantiate RX Final Mix on your dialogue stem. Add a gentle proportional Q cut in
the low mid-range, set the Equalizer Mode to Dynamic Compress mode. Adjusting the
threshold will cause the mud to be cut out of the dialogue only when present.

Add a high shelf boost, set the Equalizer Mode to Dynamic Expand mode. Adjusting the
threshold will cause the brightness and clarity in the dialogue to increase, but only when
the dialogue is present.

TIPS FOR IMPACTFUL SOUND EFFECTS

When mixing sound effects, its not just about peak volume. Heres how to maximize a
sound effect to really hit home.

RX FINAL MIX | TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING RX FINAL MIX Page34
Tip 1: Use the Lift control in the True Peak limiter to drive the signal hotter into the Limiter.
This will reduce the dynamic range of the sound effect stem and increase the volume for
maximum impact, transparently, without distortion.

Tip 2: Instantiate RX Final Mix on your sound effect stem. Add a narrow proportional Q
boost to your low end, set the Equalizer Mode to Dynamic Expand mode. Make sure LFE
processing is enabled. Now, whenever a low sound effect hits, there will be a transient
low boost for more impact. The program dependent behavior of the dynamic equalizer
avoids adding rumble across the entire mix, but preserves the full frequency impact of
your sound effects.

RX FINAL MIX | TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING RX FINAL MIX Page35
 iZotope Customer Care

HOW TO PURCHASE THE FULL VERSION OF RX FINAL MIX

If you are using the demo version of RX Final Mix and would like the full version, you can
purchase RX Final Mix directly from the iZotope online store, located at: www.izotope.
com/store

Once your purchase is complete, you will be sent an email confirmation and a full version
serial number that can be used to fully authorize your current installation of RX Final Mix.

IZOTOPE CUSTOMER CARE POLICY

iZotope is happy to provide professional technical Customer Care to all registered users
absolutely free of charge.

https://www.izotope.com/support/contact/index.php

We also offer valuable pre-sales support to customers who may be interested in

purchasing an iZotope product. Before contacting iZotope Customer Care, you can
search our Knowledgebase to see if the solution to your problem has already been
published.

RX FINAL MIX | IZOTOPE CUSTOMER CARE Page36

HOW TO CONTACT IZOTOPE CUSTOMER CARE FOR
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For additional help with RX Final Mix:

Check out the Customer Care pages on our web site at www.izotope.com/support

Contact our Customer Care department via our support portal

iZotopes highly trained Customer Care team is committed to responding to all requests
within one (1) business day and frequently respond faster. Please try to explain your
problem with as much detail and clarity as possible. This will ensure our ability to solve
your problem accurately, the first time around. Please include all system specs and the
build/version of RX Final Mix that you are using.

Once your Customer Care request is submitted, you should automatically receive a
confirmation email from iZotope Customer Care. If you do not receive this email within a
few minutes please check your spam folder and make sure our responses are not getting
blocked. To prevent this from happening please add support@izotope.com to your list of
allowed email addresses.

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Customer Care is also available from our international distributors worldwide for any
customers who purchased their iZotope products through a certified iZotope distributor.

Check with your local distributor for their availability. If you would like help locating your
local distributor please contact iZotope Customer Care.

Thank you for using RX Final Mix!

The iZotope Team

RX FINAL MIX | IZOTOPE CUSTOMER CARE Page37